League’s punishment of Favre falls short

The NFL has spoken. MDS provided a quick summary of the ruling earlier this afternoon. We’ve now had a chance to digest the full press release.

In a nutshell? The league thinks Brett Favre is a liar. But the league doesn’t think he sexually harassed former Jets in-house sideline reporter Jenn Sterger.

“Commissioner Goodell . . . determined that Favre was not candid in several respects during the investigation, resulting in a longer review and additional negative public attention for Favre, Sterger, and the NFL,” the league’s official release states. “The commissioner notified Favre that he has been fined $50,000 for his failure to cooperate with the investigation in a forthcoming manner. Commissioner Goodell stated to Favre that if he had found a violation of the league’s workplace conduct policies, he would have imposed a substantially higher level of discipline.”

It’s a fancy and convoluted way of saying that Favre lied, perhaps on multiple occasions.

As to the issue of sexual harassment, Favre apparently avoided a sanction because the “forensic analysis could not establish that Favre sent the objectionable photographs to Sterger.” Even if the league had concluded that Favre had sent the photos (and by now we all know what the photos depicted), a key question remains as to whether and to what extent Sterger was genuinely offended by behavior about which she never complained to the Jets or to the league. Indeed, the entire investigation commenced without any complaint from Sterger, and she cooperated only reluctantly — and, as many believe, after it became clear that Favre would not buy Sterger’s silence via a settlement of her potential claims.

That said, we’re troubled by the slap on the wrist Favre has received for lying. Sure, it’s not the first time he has stretched the truth. But as we pointed out in connection with the Sal Alosi situation, lying by an employee within the confines of an official investigation requires the harshest of punishments (but not quite to the Tucker Carlson level).

Lying to an employer who is investigating wrongdoing is no different than perjury or obstruction of justice in a legal proceeding. And if an employee can get away with lying (or, as in Favre’s case, fined the equivalent of what he earns in three minutes of one game), the message to all other employees is clear: It’s better to be caught in a lie than to be caught in the truth.

Employees in other industries routinely are fired for such behavior. At a bare minimum, Favre should have received a suspension.

If a player smoking pot on multiple occasions is enough to trigger a four-game banishment, the disrespect Favre demonstrated by lying to the league at a time when the league was trying its best to investigate a serious issue regarding workplace behavior should have resulted in at least the same penalty.

Even more troubling is the fact that the league has minced words. Favre lied. Why not say Favre lied? The fact that the guy holds every career quarterback record doesn’t insulate him from the consequences of his actions, or from calling what he did precisely what he did, without words that may cause people to think that, in essence, Favre lied.

The fact that he lied also should have prompted the league to take Sterger’s word as to any other aspect of their he-said/she-said factual dispute. Juries routinely reject the entire testimony of a witness who is caught in a lie. The NFL should have done the same here.

Thus, if Sterger said that Favre sent the pictures and Favre said he didn’t and Favre has otherwise lied, why should the NFL or anyone else reject Sterger’s version of the events? (That said, the question of whether Sterger was genuinely offended would require further analysis, especially in light of the version of the events supplied by her former friend, Allison Torres.)

Earlier this week, lawyer Joseph Conway said that Favre was getting preferential treatment. Though a carefully-crafted slap on the wrist is intended to lead us all to believe otherwise, Conway was right.

I loathe Favre.
I loathe Vick.
But Vick lied to the commish face to face about his criminal activity and did he get suspended for that? I don’t think so.

enkinan says:Dec 29, 2010 1:57 PM

Only one more game until I can stop hearing about Favre, I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.

pedsaregoodforsports says:Dec 29, 2010 1:58 PM

I dont remember him Lying. All I remember is him exercising his miranda rights (even though this was not a criminal investigation). He had the right to remain silent. He did, they obviously couldnt prove what was needed to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt (which to the best of my knowledge still is the requirement) and he didnt cave in to the pressure to talk from the NFL or Sterger camp.

Kudos to Favre for being smart and not caving.

They have to prove he did something wrong, he didnt have to prove his innocence, because the presumption (again to the best of my knowledge) is innocent until PROVEN guilty and he didnt shoot himself in the foot by blabbing a word.

He didnt survive 20 years and counting in the NFL by being dumb.

tradebait9 says:Dec 29, 2010 1:59 PM

STERGER spelled backwards = REGRETS !!!!

commoncents says:Dec 29, 2010 2:00 PM

Sterger waited 3 years to bring this to light. She may be upset she didn’t get her settlement from Farve but i think, if this really mattered to her, beyond a settlement then we would have heard of it long before this year.

So Favre does something Illegal, as well as very Immoral. He puts the league in a very bad light, and Goodell stalls the so-called Investigation for Months,,,and he gets basically Nodda! As where Roethlisberger does absolutely NOTHING wrong. Never gets arrested,,,let alone is ever even brought in for questioning…and he gets basically a 4 game suspension, and what amounts to a 2 million dollar fine.

The report does not say that he lied, it says that he was not candid or cooperating with the questioning. In every court of law in the country, you have the right to remain silent, and not incriminate yourself. There is a difference between telling a lie, and exercising your right to remain silent.

If you are going to compare this with another business or industry, shouldn’t it be the Jets responsiblity to hand out the punishment? Not the league or Goodell. Perhaps even the union should’ve done something.

Although he’s not a Jet anymore, it occured while he was a Jet. It’s Woody Johnson’s gig and Sterger should be going after him. The Jets should bear the brunt like any “real” company would in the normal world.

For once, I completely agree with you. This is one of the rare times when I appreciate your pious lawyer take on the situation. If the guy was lying and the NFL knew it, then Favre should have been suspended. At first I was impressed with how Goodell was clamping down on the criminals in the NFL, but as time passes, its clearly evident that he is applying the same biased application of rules that the Government is guilty of. Basically, if you are a face of the NFL, you’re not going to face any real penalties, unless of course you end up in the court of law and convicted of dog killing. The NFL needs to spend the season writing up a list of offenses and the associated penalties. I’m sick of seeing fines and suspensions of varying amounts applied to different players committing the same offense.

livenbreathefootball says:Dec 29, 2010 2:07 PM

The fact they did anything to their favorite Diva Favre is amazing.

Look at it this way, if they suspended him, he would have appealed and it would have been moot after next week anyway. With a fine, they take a stand and it is over.

Employees are allowed to resign in lieu of firing all the time. Same thing here.

Favre is a liar, Favre is a liar, Favre is a liar!!!!!

notredamegirl says:Dec 29, 2010 2:07 PM

Of course he would lie he is trying to stay married! Duh!!!! Name one man out there that would tell the truth or say anything if they knew that their wife (that they wanted to stay married to) would leave and take half his damn money along with her! It is now time to move on, this sh!t should have not been an issue in the first place since this happened two freaking years ago and the girl didn’t care until it slipped to the negative hungry media!

dfeltz says:Dec 29, 2010 2:07 PM

“Lying to an employer who is investigating wrongdoing is no different than perjury or obstruction of justice in a legal proceeding.”

Was Favre sworn in before a judge when questioned? Was a jury of his peers present? Was there a subpoena? If the answer is no to these questions, then its not really like a legal proceeding.

One would think that being a lawyer, you would understand things a little better, but instead, you choose to make things up, decide what you think happened and attempt to report it as fact. You have had a problem with Favre ever since last year when you said he would fail and he had the best year of his entire career.

1) What is the worst that the NFL could do to Favre? Suspend him? I believe if he gets suspended, he loses multiple paychecks. This way Favre loses 50K. Favre wins.
2) If Favre admits to the NFL he sent multiple messages, sent pics AFTER she said no, he opens himself up to lawsuits in the “real world” and could lose far more than 50K. Favre wins.
3) You say multiple times Favre lied. What exactly did he lie about? Since you are an attorney (failed or not), you would know that “pleading the 5th” does not necessarily mean the person is lying. Again, admitting to anything opens him up to far more problems. Favre wins.
4) “It’s a fancy and convoluted way of saying that Favre lied, perhaps on multiple occasions.” So in other words, not admitting or denying anything is a lie? Sorry, I call BS and if you truly think that way, it explains why you run a football blog instead of making far more $$ as an attorney!
5) No matter what anyone thinks, 50K is a pittance to Favre, and in the end, Favre wins. The gold digger loses, end of story!

Mike Florio says:Dec 29, 2010 2:08 PM

To all of the armchair lawyers who already are playing the Miranda card, the right to remain silent applies only when facing a criminal proceeding. If you tell your employer that you refuse to cooperate with an internal investigation as to matters that could create liability for the employer, then the employer can and should say, “You have the right to remain silent. . . . And we have the right to fire you for remaining silent.”

Do you think that maybe he let the retirement rumors float around so he wouldnt get a suspension?? Why suspend someone who is “retiring” with one week left in the season…Instead get fined (in this case less than what some guys in the league get fined for helmet to helmet hits) and then come back next season?? I hope not but something about this doesnt sound right…and if Sterger was in this for money why didnt she say something when it first started??

so let me get this straight? you give a player preferential treatment repeatedly over the course of a 20 year career, including in the way this entire “investigation” was handled, serving only to reinforce the player’s notion that he’s somehow above the law. Then he acts in a way that’s totally consistent with the special rules created for him, “refusing to cooperate” with the circus-like sterger investigation. The NFL’s solution is, of course, to fine him a paltry $50k for acting exactly how they taught him to act. The biggest irony is that the “punishment” itself is a mockery of the entire situation, further re-establishing the fact that the ol gunslinger answers only to himself.

phew. my head is spinning a lil’ bit.

30ptbuck says:Dec 29, 2010 2:09 PM

I AM LORD FAVRE THE NFL CAN DO NOTHING TO ME. I DON’T NEED TO COOPERATE YOU KNOW I HAVE WON 1 SUPERBOWL NOW GO AWAY OR I’LL SHALL TAUNT YOU A 2ND TIME .THERE CAN BE NO FOOTBALL WITHOUT ME I CONTROL EVERYTHING NFL. I WILL DERAIL THE CBA SEE NO FOOTBALL WITHOUT LORD FAVRE LEAVE ME ALONE I HAVE TEXTING TO DO !!!!!!!
FUTURE CONVERSATION 4 years from now
Grandson : Gee mama 50,000 could help me with college
Mama: Don’t worry son Grandma got millions from Grandpa so it is easy street for us. We just have to do what Grandma Myself and your Auntie did all those years turn your head put out your hand.No matter what he did or does he will always be our ATM.
Grandson : Shouldn’t we be mad at him mommy for being someone who cheats , lies, and stole money from the LA Vikings
Mama : You have alot to learn honey as long as you have money you don’t need to be faithful, honest , or fulfill a contract because you know your injured and just can’t perform anymore.
Grandson: How can we trust him mama ?
Mama: Listen and learn son (phone dialing) Hey dad there is something wrong with the car…..Yea ok no no I’ll meet you at the dealership. No remember the last time you sent me pictures and your speed dial number for me is 1 off of Whore’s are us.Yea I don’t need to see that again.Yea goodbye. See son ATM!!!

The problem is that neither the NFL (who is not Favre’s employer), nor the Jets (a former employer) can “fire” Favre for not cooperating with the investigation. Indeed, he’s an employee of the Vikings–at least for one more game.

neilpountney says:Dec 29, 2010 2:11 PM

Lying to an employer who is investigating wrongdoing is no different than perjury or obstruction of justice in a legal proceeding.
___________________________

That is an amazing statement coming from lawyer!

If kids tell their parents lies is that the same too!

notredamegirl says:Dec 29, 2010 2:11 PM

Way do stupid people comparing this non case to Big Bens rape allegations of two women! This not same people!

giablommi says:Dec 29, 2010 2:11 PM

Of course Favre lied and/or is a liar.

It doesn’t take a genious to see through the transparency of his annual will-he-or-won’t-he retire charade (lies) year after year. Favre is a egomaniacal narcissist who thinks he is bigger than the NFL, can force his way onto and off of teams, can play when he feels like, etc. He’ll make a great politician down the road.

That said, this gold digging tramp deserves nothing for her shameless PR/money grab, but Big Brother Roger Horribledell would have been remiss if he didn’t squeeze a few more $$$$$ out of Favre in the unlikely event that this is his last year. A sickening spectacle on all sides, and for once Favre seems like the lesser of all evils (for lack of better word) of all three parties.

nationalmediacansuckit says:Dec 29, 2010 2:12 PM

That had to be the longest investigation in the history of Goodell. Usually there’s a punishment in 1-2 weeks, but not Lord Farve. You Goodell just put Farve’s streak over your so called integrity of the game. Besides who really give a damn about his streak anyway? All we care about is football in 2011.

It’s the American way. Little guys get smoked and the big shots get off. Is anyone really surprised by this slap on the wrist? Doubt Favre lied. He has a great way of dancing around negative questions without actually answering them.

30ptbuck says:Dec 29, 2010 2:12 PM

LORD FAVRE
BTW NFL I CAN SUPPORT A FINE WHICH AMOUNTS TO ABOUT 20 HOURS OF A 40 HOUR WORK WEEK FOR ME

I’m not a Favre guy and like most others am sick of hearing about him, but this whole thing has been a joke. It occurred more than two years ago and there was no complaint filed then. Favre is probably a dirtball like countless other pro athletes but Sterger should have made an issue about it then or let it go permanently.

To all of the armchair lawyers who already are playing the Miranda card, the right to remain silent applies only when facing a criminal proceeding. If you tell your employer that you refuse to cooperate with an internal investigation as to matters that could create liability for the employer, then the employer can and should say, “You have the right to remain silent. . . . And we have the right to fire you for remaining silent.”

_______________________

Correct, they have the right to fire you, but having the right to do it and actually doing it are two completely different things.

By making the above statement, you are giving your opinion that the company (the NFL) should fire Favre. What they should or should not do is not your call.

hobartbaker says:Dec 29, 2010 2:14 PM

Brett did nothing. Goodell just wants to cover the investigation expenses and Jenn Steger is currently strolling the avenue in a micro tube skirt to make rent, so he wasn’t going to get anything from her.

So now the court of the NFL can punish if you don’t want to get yourself convicted? This is actually getting really out of control.

Can you imagine if you’re charged with a crime and admit to nothing but have to pay $50,000 because you didn’t cooperate to convict yourself? That’s basically what is happening here, without a doubt.

I dislike Farve & think his whole self-serving attitude is sickening but if you don’t want to admit to doing something wrong, the burden of proving it falls on the people charging you with the acts they say you did. The NFL should lose it’s governmental protections unless it agrees to abide by common laws. This fine is a joke.

vikefanman2000 says:Dec 29, 2010 2:15 PM

YAWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

mikepcguy says:Dec 29, 2010 2:16 PM

Mike; Are you SURE you read the NFL statement? It stated that Favre’s not cooperating with this investigation “resulting in a longer review and additional negative public attention.” And that “The forensic analysis could not establish that Favre sent the objectionable photographs to Sterger.” Further there was no evidence that Favre violated any rules.

In short, Favre dragged his feet and said “Aw Shucks” a lot. The league had to actually do some work and didn’t find anything.

If there was solid evidence (forensic or not) there wasn’t a broom or a rug big enough for Goodell to sweep this under.

In short, Favre threw an incomplete pass and the Ref’s didn’t throw a flag. It was a good non-call and if anyone wants to pursue it, they can find a lawyer.

I don’t see anywhere where Goodell said Favre lied. Favre could have just not answered all the questions asked of him.

simplesimon1 says:Dec 29, 2010 2:19 PM

I don’t blame Sterger one bit. I’m not saying she wasn’t gold digging and I’m also not saying she was terribly offended by Favre’s actions. She was not the person who initially started the investigation wheels going. She lost her job and credibility. Everyone, including all the tools on this website, think she’s just a whore, just like the same tools that said this about the girl Big Ben molested in a bathroom. Pathetic by the NFL and by Favre. I hope they let this pathetic human being play one final game this weekend and I hope Suh welcomes him to retirement, once and for all. Please, Suh, if you can hit Favre, make his decision to retire for him. The fine will be more than worth it to many of us.

Everyone asking for Sterger to go away…… I’d rather look at her than this pathetic, Wrangler wearing, sad, pretend I’m still good, QB…. At least she still can fill out those clothes really nice….LOL

Funny though…. He can admit that it’s his phone that sent audio messages…. The same phone sent the pics, but that’s not him this time…. He had complaints prior to this from another employee from the Jets…. His wife confirms he liked to sleep around with anything that moved when they first got married…. He doesn’t comply with an investigation and it simply disappears? LOL….. Hold your head up high NFL!!! You too Brett!!!

What goes around comes around…. Especially if you’re a dirtbag. For God sake, one of your kids isn’t much younger than her…. CLASSY!!!

pervyharvin says:Dec 29, 2010 2:20 PM

Favre wins…as he should! Such a bs story to begin with,not the public’s business.

The NFL never said that Favre lied.
“ “The commissioner notified Favre that he has been fined $50,000 for his failure to cooperate with the investigation in a forthcoming manner.”
Favre chose not to cooperate when he thought the whole situation was phooey. Just because that the NFL wants to be the judge and jury, Favre was under no obligation to act differently.
I am not a favre fan, but I am a fan of justice and nothing was proven here at all. IMO, Sterger set the whole thing She should be arrested for extortion and fraud.

polishkingski says:Dec 29, 2010 2:24 PM

i have never made a comment regarding farve but i am amazed why people constantly give him digs whenever possible. if you are a true football fan, a fan of pro football how can you not be impressed by the guy? i can remember when he first broke onto the nfl stage and thinking to myself that this guy is going to be a stud. played to win, tuff as nails, rocket arm and looked like he was having a great time no matter the circumstance. he would have been a perfect fit in a buffalo uniform. thanks for all the great memories brett. you will be missed.

stetai says:Dec 29, 2010 2:25 PM

Favre didn’t lie, he was just vague and evasive about what happened, but I didn’t hear from the NFL saying Brett said something did or didn’t happen and he was proven to be lying.

He jsut dragged his feet, and didn’t want to tell the whole story. Perhaps the entire story vindicates him of sexual harrasment but proves that he was having a pseudo adulterous affair. I think Sterger’s bluff was that Favre would be so embarrassed by their contact that he would pay her off rather than reveal he was pursuing her even if it wasn’t harrasment.

Slap on the wrist. Goodell doesn’t want to tarnish his reputation so when he goes to the Hall everything will be cool. Maybe Sterger will have a front row seat since Favres wife will be taking the other 50 percent of his worth and running away. Favre is scum and Goodell is his bitch.

bspurloc says:Dec 29, 2010 2:26 PM

.
u make no sense. u say they had no evidence to prove farve did anything. then u say he was lying…..

well he is innocent UNTIL proven guilty, and only someone that is pal;in stupid would admit guilt where no evidence exists. simply because they are not guilty by the lack of evidence.

the evidence points more towards sterger broke some rules. lets fine her now.
and um… where are her pics???!!!

This would be like the cops telling a drunk driver that either they take a breath-analyzer and go to jail for 90 days or pay a $200 fine and walk free….

Why will anyone ever cooperate with an NFL investigation again?

laxer37 says:Dec 29, 2010 2:35 PM

importantpftcomment says:

@sarahpalinhater

What you and many others constantly fail to realize that whether guilty or innocent, this would amount to Favre’s first offence. Benji did it not once, not twice, but THREE times.

Get it now?

———————————————–
Apparently you don’t get it.

Favre was fined for not cooperating with his employer’s investigation, not harrassment. Ben was fined for a pattern of poor decision making, not rape. Being found guilty or innocent did not come into play in either case.

Add Goodell to the NFL Employees list of endangered people to lose their jobs. The NFL will need to do a great deal more than just its “Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Week”. How about a week on “Sexual Harassment” starting with education for the Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Vikings. How does one equate these sex crimes to 18 months hard time for dogs??????????

When did Favre plead the fifth? What are you people talking about? If you’re not straightforward in cooperating with an investigation, that’s an obstruction of justice. What you guys are suggesting is the equivalent of a judge sending a person who has pleaded the fifth off to prison because they didn’t want to cooperate in answering questions. That would be…umm…completely against everything our justice system stands for. If Favre pleaded the fifth, and the commissioner fined him for not incriminating himself, that would be absurd. Favre would be crazy not to sue the NFL for every dime it has, if that is indeed the case. However, I imagine that is not what happened here, given the fine issued.

bspn2 says:Dec 29, 2010 2:38 PM

“Commissioner Goodell stated to Favre that if he had found a violation of the league’s workplace conduct policies, he would have imposed a substantially higher level of discipline.”
===================================

So sexually harassing and sending multiple pictures of your penis to a coworker isn’t a violation of the league’s workplace conduct policies???

If that isn’t, what is??

bluvayner says:Dec 29, 2010 2:39 PM

Roger Goodell and the media should both stop prying into people’s private lives. It’s nobody’s business.

Sterger should likewise be ashamed of herself for being a manipulative, self promoting, opportunistic, gold digger. If she wasn’t interested, she should have simply said so, told him to keep his junk to himself, and gone about her business.

Everyone today is out to criticize the way others lead their lives, and find fault in every action. We live in a country led by lawyers, looking to achieve wealth by destroying the lives of others.

Orson Welles was right about 1984, he was just off by a few years. This country was a better place when everyone minded their own business, and kept their mouth shut.

@bspurloc — this is not a court of law. innocent until proven guilty does not hold up in employment disputes, especially those governed by a CBA. the NFL is a private corporation who retains the right to bar anyone from receiving a wage from the 32 member clubs it has fiduciary management duties over. If they believe that Favre is acting in a conduct that undermines the league, they have precedent to fine or suspend him indefinitely. And the only person who hears the appeal is the person who hands it down (technically there is a special master, but the NFLPA is not going to bat for this during negotiations). A hefty fine, $1M or greater and/or a 4 game suspension sends a very loud message to the rest of the league. Favre pays it, doesn’t care, but the message is out. If you do not cooperate with our investigation, we can hurt you.

Remember, Vick was suspended indefinitely before he was found guilty for lying to the commissioner…..

I really don’t like Favre but it sounds like him shutting up was the best thing for him.

spokes310 says:Dec 29, 2010 2:42 PM

Since Favre’s going to retire after this season, what happens if he retires before paying this fine? Would the NFL take him to court?

earlmook says:Dec 29, 2010 2:46 PM

Ha ha Sterger… I’m sure she’s probably going ape sh** over this announcement… What a money hungry, gold digging home wrecker. Sterger just leave Favre alone and get over yourself… Sterger’s not “all that” like she thinks she is. Favre is legendary and Sterger is just a little hot SL**that any guy that has money she’s going to go after because she thinks just because I was a cheerleader I’m deserving… Cheerleading is not a sport and Sterger was probably all pissed off because Cheerleaders and NFL players can’t fraternize and she just wanted to ruin Favre.

This story is so rediculous. The investiagation is going on not because a woman was offended and harrassed, but because 2 years later a web site leaked the story, lawyers got a hold of the woman and told her she could make money. Favre did nothing wrong here. Even if he sent the photos she in all likleyhood was not offended. She didnt even want to cooperate with the NFL. If someone is harrassed or seriously offended by another persons actions wouldn’t they ususally speak up to everyone that could listen(and usually in a timely manner). This case is strickley about the money that the lawyers told her she could make. I bet she’s feeling a ton of regret right now listening to them because it seems to have taken a huge hit on her career and reputation.

We all know the golddigger wants $$$,$$$,$$$.$$ (why else bring this up TWO YEARS after it happened, statute of limitations perhaps), so now she is more than free to hire every lawyer in existence to attempt to squeeze money out of Brett.

No punishment from the league was going to suffice (suspend a 41-year old QB, that’s called retirement), and, to be honest, Favre retiring with this disgrace as the epitaph of his playing days is probably the best punishment.

Thanks for the link. One simple sentance stands out above all others —

“I just know they kept texting each other back and forth and that he wanted to hook up,” Torres told the magazine. “I wouldn’t doubt she was enjoying the attention from him.”

If it is correct, it proves that Favre did absolutely nothing wrong. The gold digger replying to texts eliminates any sexual harassment UNLESS she was telling him no, to which she wouldn’t be enjoying the attention from him.

hobartbaker says:Dec 29, 2010 2:47 PM

With Brett sporting that derelict wino look, he’ll probably get 50k in spare change, non perishable foot items, socks, and blankets, just shuffling up and down along the sideline this Sunday.

patpatriotagain says:Dec 29, 2010 2:47 PM

just wish people knew the difference between nfl policy and the american rule of law. Favre wasn’t under oath. goodell is not a judge. he got fined 50k which is not a “slap on the wrist” it matches the biggest player fine of the year. he is not suspended because Sterger was lying about harrassment

PFTiswhatitis says:Dec 29, 2010 2:47 PM

Well written, Mike. You hit the nail on the head. I just wish you would hold Goodell accountable once in a while.

connie73 says:Dec 29, 2010 2:50 PM

To many people comparing Favre to Big Ben
Don’t even think of it. Ben is the biggest PIG in the world.Favre is not that far behind.Favre was acting stupid with an adult. Ben was acting like
WHITE TRASH WITH MONEY with college kids
All his goonies around to protect him what a pig

blackngoldmachine says:Dec 29, 2010 2:52 PM

It’s not a matter of private entity rights vs. US citizen rights. It’s just calling a BS’er a BS’er. Once again GODdell lost but got the last word…fair or not.

GODdell to Ben:we can’t prove you did it, so…4 games should cover it and make us look good to the Milledgeville Whores.

GODdell to Favre:we can’t prove you did it and you won’t tell on yourself…what’s a matter with you? $50K should cover it and make us look good to the sideline HoBags.

Actually, Favre has consistently lied to the NFL starting with the tampering investigation and continued on through his public fight with the Packers. Favre considers himself above reproach and consequences so it is easy to see why he would deny that was Little Lorenzo in the photographs. If my pecker were that small, I wouldn’t want to admit to it either.

So Goodell threw away a perfect opportunity to administer justice and set precedent. The good news is that the incident likely impacted BrINT prior to the Jets game and thus helped sink the Vikings season. So there is sort of a justice in just that. The only thing that would make it better is if BrINT comes back to sink their 2011 season, now that would make everything right with the world.

pervyharvin says:Dec 29, 2010 3:01 PM

@ polishkingski……Well said! When Favre is gone, he won’t be replaced. I bet you Favre haters thought Brett was faking excitement for Webb and the other Vikings last night? Brett looked pumped after big plays,the guy loves football.Too many players today seem it’s all about the money..

holeinone09 says:Dec 29, 2010 3:08 PM

Someone mentioned Favre exercising his miranda rights, but the release said he was “not candid”. To me, that sounds completely different. That sounds like he wasn’t being completely honest, or that he lied.

GODell again shows his punishments are random and inconsistent. While I think a good case could be made that favre did not violate workplaceconduct since she didn’t try to press charges, lenght of time elapsed, etc. (ie to me what goes on between consenting adults in private is between them unless it is unwanted), Favre should have gotten a much harsher punishment merely for lying. I don’t care if it was in his best personal interest to lie about this, drag his feet, whatever. He is under contract to the NFL, and he needs to behave just like everyone else. He is a future hall of famer who unfortunately made a bad decision to come back for one more year which has tarnished his career in some respects. He is a diva, no doubt. But he apparently lied in an NFL investigation, and $50K to someone like him is nothing.

GODell is a complete joke of a commission on some of these things. The refs are terrible, the fines are out of control and inconsistent, and we might have a lockout next season. How nice.

FinFan68 says:Dec 29, 2010 3:09 PM

“Lying to an employer who is investigating wrongdoing is no different than perjury or obstruction of justice in a legal proceeding.”
—————————–
Wow, that must have been some bar exam you passed. There is no way an internal investigation holds as much weight as a legal proceeding. There is also nothing that says Favre “lied”…that is purely your own misguided speculation. Refusing to give a direct answer is not the same as lying in this regard. Favre didn’t have to undergo an interview at all…that would have made the “failure to cooperate” garbage a little more plausible. Why would anyone in their right mind give a definitive statement that could be used against them in a potential legal proceeding? Expecting a full admission or outright denial is absurd. It is the investigator’s job to prove one way or another whether something happened or not. By your “logic” anyone, who pleads “not guilty” and is found to be guilty in the trial, should be punished for perjury as well. The bottom line is that the league could not prove sexual harassment and they could not prove he violated their generic conduct policy (neither could sterger, hence no formal lawsuit) but they felt obligated to punish him for something so they fined him for failure to admit guilt they can’t prove.

grandpoopah says:Dec 29, 2010 3:11 PM

Perhaps this decision has more to do with the league’s reluctance to reward Sterger’s blatant attempt at gold-digging more than anything else. You can bet that if she got what she wanted, the league would be totally inundated with an army of Sterger-like gold-digging skanks pulling the same move on other NFL players.

Favre was fined for not cooperating with his employer’s investigation, not harrassment. Ben was fined for a pattern of poor decision making, not rape. Being found guilty or innocent did not come into play in either case.
_______________________

My God, the level of stupidity astounds me!

Doesn’t matter what the alleged crimes are/were. Both were accused of “something” that put the NFL in a bad light. Favre did it once during the tenure of Goodell. Benji did it THREE times.

Maybe now you understand!

impeachgoodell says:Dec 29, 2010 3:19 PM

This is more than just about Favre. As usual, Goodell sticks his middle finger at the fans while glossing over the case.
Typical bull!@#$ from Goodell. He has to go, now.

Mike recall that this is he said / she said. Has anyone seen her texts? Why the time delay if this was really this serious?

Goodell has never been shy to law down the law, even going out on a limb, even with big names.

This decision tells me that Sterger’s camp is also not telling the whole truth and there is dirt on her side.

I wouldn’t be surprised to learn later that Goodell and the NFL are protecting her.

Goodell threw her a bone. (No pun intended) And let her lawyer run his mouth.

A fight smartly dodged.

granadafan says:Dec 29, 2010 3:21 PM

What an absolute joke by the league. This sellout to the TV networks who fellate Favre every chance they can get is completely absurd. The NFL did everything they could to delay games to give Goldilocks the chance to play and have now given him a light slap on the wrist for someone making 20 mil. Favre and Roger Goodell are jokes.

No one has fallen faster in the public’s eyes than Queen Favre. He went from the golden child who most people rooted for to the most hated, though you wouldn’t know they way the announcers have a bromance with him.

This isn’t a criminal matter so you are not protected against self-incrimination by the 5th Amendment.

Jack Burton says:Dec 29, 2010 3:30 PM

Perfect example of the punishment and fines being administered all over the board. If they don’t get some kind of consistency in place over the offseason they’ve failed big time.

FinFan68 says:Dec 29, 2010 3:31 PM

It’s not quite over yet. Favre still has the appeal process for the fine. The league has stated it could not prove he violated any league policies, yet they still fined him. This fine will get overturned…and Goodell knows it.

sterilizecromartie says:Dec 29, 2010 3:31 PM

This is such a cop-out “punishment”. At least for today, the NFL reminds me of the NCAA in terms of punishing players for wrongdoing.

grogansheroes says:Dec 29, 2010 3:33 PM

When is GODell going to be held accountable for all the problems on his watch? How can this guy be so incompetent in his job and keep it? It is almost like he works for OBama. He constantly mishandles everything that come across his desk! In all the years of following the NFL, I have never seen the commissioner be in the news, or have so many complaints from so many areas. Fans, players, media, owners, all wonder what he is doing. When all aspects of the community are complaining about job performance, how does he manage to keep his? I thought with the way he handles the whole Spygate issue, he would not be long for his job, but apparently incompetence is rewarded in the NoFunLeague!!!

dirksimmons says:Dec 29, 2010 3:38 PM

Favre is married, isn’t he? I mean, doesn’t that make him sort of a douche bag if he was actually sending Sterger texts (consensual or not)?

tubal22 says:Dec 29, 2010 3:43 PM

A court of law isn’t the same as a workplace investigation.

You can keep your mouth shut if you want, but in nearly every case, you’ll get fired.

Brett got off easy on this one. He should have been suspended, like Alosi was.

tommytd says:Dec 29, 2010 3:51 PM

Hey moron! Next time you think about a stunt like that, keep your phone in your pants. You sir, are an idiot.

notredamegirl says:Dec 29, 2010 4:06 PM

This stuff is funny! People getting upset because someone got find only 50k for not talking! Give me a break! Don’t lose sleep over this BS!

Maybe this will learn him not to send pictures of his Green Bay Packer to girls that don’t want to see it. However they can want to see it then get mad later and claim they didn’t. Women are a dangerous business.

bluvayner says:Dec 29, 2010 4:28 PM

When you start enforcing a “code of personal conduct” you open a can of worms. Every decision that you make, sets a precedent, and leads you deeper and deeper into peoples personal lives. Rozelle and Taglibue stuck to business and football. Goodell should just butt out of people’s personal lives, and let the courts do the dirty work where necessary.

theytukrjobs says:Dec 29, 2010 4:35 PM

It really depends on the lie.

We also have to realize that this isn’t real court. We aren’t talking about life and death here. Favre didn’t even commit an actual crime. Personally I think he’s gotten way more grief than the average human would get for sexting a coworker when she didn’t obviously have a problem with it at the time.

To say that he needs to be fined more than 0.3% his annual salary just “because” is meaningless. I make 70k a year and if I was fined $210 of my pay for “lying” to my boss about sending dick pics (probably out of embarrassment lol) then I’d be pissed. What do you want him to say?

This whole case is just stupid and blown out of proportion. Women have rights. But if they engage in a relationship with a married man they don’t just automatically get hush money and recognition for what a hero they are. The reason we have all these sexual harrassment laws is that female employees actually can get things to stop. It isn’t so that they can sit on pictures for 2 years and then go to get paid on it.

peytonwantsaflag says:Dec 29, 2010 4:39 PM

well there goes all the Rapistburger defenders theories about how Ben was the victim of reverse discrimination.

See, Godell is NOT prejudiced against ugly white qb’s.

Deb says:Dec 29, 2010 4:56 PM

Okay, Mike, I see your point. But since Sterger never filed a harassment complaint and this involved embarrassing personal events from two years ago, Favre could argue that the league was acting inappropriately in questioning him. Clinton was impeached for lying to federal investigators about his personal life. But the court later ruled that the investigators had no right to ask Clinton those questions in the first place. To me, this is an identical situation. In the absence of a formal complaint by Sterger, the league had no right to query Favre about his personal life.

I don’t see how you compare this to Alosi. The man admits to organizing fellow coaches in a conspiracy to take out a player on an opposing team in a way that could have resulted in serious injury. That’s not a personal matter–it’s cheating.

giablommi says:Dec 29, 2010 4:58 PM

“Orson Welles was right about 1984, he was just off by a few years. This country was a better place when everyone minded their own business, and kept their mouth shut.”
^^^^^
I think that’s George Orwell you’re thinking of, and yes, the ugly reality of 2010 is pretty much the template of 1984.

Football is entertainment and entertainment is supposed to be an escape from reality, but this commissioner is taking the entertainment out of football while creating its own “Big Brother fine and suspend as many people as possible” state (in accordance with the totalitarian/surveillance/fear mongering state we have devolved into).

I shudder to think how lame the NFL will be in 5-10 years. Fortunately I have an extensive NFL DVD collection so I’ll always be able to relive the golden (i.e. pre-Goodell) years, back when games were played in snow/cold/rain and every hit wasn’t followed by commentators dutifully announcing that a fine will be coming the next day.

oh PFT chill out… it doesn’t necessarily mean Brett lied… his lawyer was smart enough to tell him to …stall… and it worked because legally… nothing there.

NOW Jenn will have to do PORN to make money since she ‘screwed’ up this lawsuit case. Her attorney knew that… time expired YESTERDAY to file… and the Commiss knew that…

as for Brett… his biggest punishment …is for his wife to decide… as it should be.

The actor ‘Fasier’ will pay 50 million, Tiger Woods will pay…..

Jenn was just a stupid… i would like to say ‘blond’

dispozblcopy says:Dec 29, 2010 5:02 PM

Shame on you, Mike. “Not cooperating” is not the same as lying. Not even a little bit. He failed to say anything, and I can see why–Deanna and his daughters. So you do not know that he lied. YOU DO NOT KNOW, so how can you print it, hiding behind the League’s statement? Yet you made this the centerpiece of your article, Mike, and there is not an attorney (which I am) who would let you get away with it. Favre did not lie. He did not want to say anything, probably because he was advised to by attorneys that it was a classic “he said, she said” with no real evidence to show (or disprove) that Sterger was complicit or perhaps even invited or arranged the back and forth. Favre probably deleted her texts back to him, who knows? Do you? Thus, to keep it out of the press and further humiliate the woman he truly wronged–the one he truly loves and I would guess deeply regrets he cheated on–he decided not to even try to rat out Sterger on how she acquiesced or tolerated or was even bemused by his advances. To go that route would put the whole kerfuffle in a blender, but it would just humiliate his classy, beautiful wife and embarrass his classy and beautiful kids. The way to make it all go away as quickly as possible is to shut up and eat it, take what comes and end it for his beloved family as quickly as possible.

connie73 says:
Dec 29, 2010 2:50 PM
To many people comparing Favre to Big Ben
Don’t even think of it. Ben is the biggest PIG in the world.Favre is not that far behind.Favre was acting stupid with an adult. Ben was acting like
WHITE TRASH WITH MONEY with college kids
All his goonies around to protect him what a pig

========================

so what does that make the women? “ho’s”… fancy word.. Gold Diggers…

You don’t have to cover your head like Muslim ladies but maybe try cover your boobs and not act like a ‘lady’ of the evening.

Ben is single, celebrating his birthday… CHASED bar to bar by this ‘underage’ ho, they took he falsified drivers license away a month before… the instant the bar seat was available beside Ben, she jumped to it. Don’t know what happened in a ‘bathroom’, but I don’t see a lawsuit out of Georgia… I know if I were the girls Parents, I would pull her out of college, the Sorority should have lost their charter on campus for condoning underage drinking like anywhere else.

My parents always said… It take two to tango.

What Brett did …is between him and his wife… and if women would be so frigid in their older age, and take care of their man, this would be a problem. Signed (father of two daughters) college graduates and neither drinking their ass off nor giving it away at parties.

So Favre does something Illegal, as well as very Immoral. He puts the league in a very bad light, and Goodell stalls the so-called Investigation for Months,,,and he gets basically Nodda! As where Roethlisberger does absolutely NOTHING wrong. Never gets arrested,,,let alone is ever even brought in for questioning…and he gets basically a 4 game suspension, and what amounts to a 2 million dollar fine.

Yeah,,,that’s fair ( Sarcasm )
___________________________
Hey brain trust, would you like to explain how Favre supposedly did something illegal? The NFL security folks aren’t law enforcement. Lying to, misleading, or refusing to cooperate with them is not a crime. It’s like lying to your boss. It can get you fired, but it’s not getting you thrown into jail. Secondly, even if the league found that Favre had engaged in sexual harassment (which they didn’t) that’s not a crime either. At worst, it could lead to a civil suit (a lawsuit, not a criminal case…huge difference). If you’re going to go on a rant, then at least know what you’re talking about. Discussing your outrage over the non-punishment of non-existent illegal activities just makes you look bad. It also marks you as someone who is simply looking for a reason to attack Favre, to the point that you won’t let the facts get in your way.

44kyle says:Dec 29, 2010 5:41 PM

The punishment for lying as a defendant should be presumption of guilt to the main charge. Otherwise, it would be best to lie. I think the NFL and Goodell as an individual deserve to be sued over this. (And I’m almost totally anti-suit).

geezoh, so you actually think that a breast cancer survivor who doesn’t “put out” as much or as well as her husband judges to be right deserves infidelity. Oh yeah, and you think that Elizabeth Edwards deserved the treatment she got too.

Of course, the concept of sexual harassment at the workplace is way too complicated for you to grasp. Ask your mommy to splain it to you using hand puppets.

What an absolute embarrassment by the NFL. Complete cowards. Wait until week 17 to do anything and then fine him for failing to cooperate. The NFL is not putting people in jail, they don’t need proof beyond a reasonable doubt to act. If they want to really have power, why not tell Favre (and anyone else) – you can choose whether to cooperate with us if you want, but if you do not cooperate, all reasonable inferences may be construed in the light that is most unfavorable to you.

This is just another in the long running list of why Roger Goodell is a terrible, terrible commissioner. The NFL could be in for serious trouble with this gutless, arrogant, greedy man running the league.

snnyjcbs says:Dec 29, 2010 6:31 PM

And you claim to have been an Attorney? Prove he lied, the NFL did not claim he lied they claimed he did not like them digging around in what he considered to be a private matter.

So he receives a slap on the wrist for not wanting to play the game. If you have the PROOF of a crime or of him breaking the Law they should have made their move. They have NOTHING.

just wish people knew the difference between nfl policy and the american rule of law. Favre wasn’t under oath. goodell is not a judge. he got fined 50k which is not a “slap on the wrist” it matches the biggest player fine of the year. he is not suspended because Sterger was lying about harrassment

It does not match the biggest player fine this year. Remember when James Harrison was fined $75K for tackling too hard?

flyingelvislogosucksbringbackpatpatriot says:Dec 29, 2010 6:40 PM

May the SCHWARTZ be with you Ms. Sterger.

raideralex99 says:Dec 29, 2010 6:47 PM

The only person who LIED is Sterger.
If this BS ever went to court … Favre could sue Sterger into bankruptcy.

The fact that Favre lied repeatedly should have convicted him. snnyjcbs is a fool. They had proof (the phone messages, his own despicable character, and the fact he would not allow examination of his phone; the innocent always allow such access), but the celebrity (Favre) has the enablers in the league and the media to raise deceptive objections a la Clinton getting away with sexual harassment and subsequent impeachment.

dwhitehurst says:Dec 29, 2010 7:14 PM

So it is now proven true that Favre offered more than one rendition of “Pants on the ground.” And to think he keeps adamantly asserting that “his legacy is his own” and that he has “no regrets.” Ok Brett. Whatever you say. That’s about as believable as Goodell’s ruling that the Vikings never “tampered” during Favre’s messy divorce with the Packers.

It’s going to take an earnest, soul-searched rendition of a different tune (“I’m sorry”) for many a fan to forgive, let alone forget, which most of them undoubtedly would, were he ever to come to his senses in retirement, looking back on how much he tarnished his “legacy.”

Not sure what you were responding to with regard to SarahPalinHater’s comment. That person never suggested the NFL arrest anyone. According to that person’s comment, what Brett Favre is accused of and then lied about should amount to the punishment Big Ben received from Goodell/league. The NFL found Big Ben’s actions to be conduct detrimental. If lying to the NFL about inappropriate behavior you engaged in isn’t conduct detrimental, than Big Ben should not have been suspended those 4 games.

richmondhokie says:Dec 29, 2010 8:09 PM

The league didn’t say Favre lied. It says he wasn’t forthcoming, and because of that, the investigation took longer. The forensics specialists proved that Favre did NOT lie insofar as sending the photos. There is no proof that the photos came from Favre’s phone.

The league is merely trying to recoup its losses from the investigation, and decided that Favre should pay for the costs of forensics specialists, private investigators, etc. But nothing they found disputed anything Favre said.

thats real intelligent conversation or argument. what grade did you graduate? did they teach you that in Debate class in high school.

PEOPLE, when you have nothing to intelligently discuss, don’t resort to name calling etc… (rule 1 of intelligent conversation).

Now sign off and go to bed Kyle

Deb says:Dec 29, 2010 8:23 PM

@monkee …

Though it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to lock you up, I feel a responsibility to the mentally challenged. The innocent do not routinely allow access to their phone records or run their mouths incessantly unless their IQs are in single digits. You only assume all innocent people do this because you are an idiot. When innocent people volunteer info willy nilly because they believe the system will protect them, they quickly go from being innocent to being wrongfully convicted. The system is imperfect, and smart people help themselves by using their right to remain silent.

I am a male. I immediately stopped watching David Letterman over something he said and I am also avoiding any TV that has anything to do with the NFL. I hope every female writes into theit office and states their feelings and also stops watching.

The media makes me want to puke sometimes. Don’t tell me that $50,000 is only this and that because Favre is rich…I guess rich people should have to pay more for speeding tickets or parking tickets, based on the car in which they committed the offense too right? Don’t tell me that the league needs to send a message either because they already have. The commissioner is a politician, and he makes moves to put himself in a good light; there are no absolutes or right answers in the subjective decisions he makes…and there’s no challenge flag with instant replay either. We’re talking $50,000 because a girl turned down a guy. $50,000! Favre would have been stupid to incriminate himself for something that ISN’T A CRIME. People want to compare this with corporate sexual harassment in the workplace; show me where Sterger was subordinate to Favre, or demonstrate to me the hostile atmosphere that was created without trying to give me your paintbrush to finish the picture. Witchhunt came up empty and the league helped itself to a $50,000 consolation prize.

The league, the league, the league. I’m getting sick of the league. I love football but the league makes me want to puke. Fines for talking too much. fines for not talking enough. Fines for celebrating too much as long as it’s not a prayer celebration in the end zone. Fines, fines, fines. Blah Blah Blah. The league is run by a bunch of bitter old ladies that must be broke so they keep imposing fines. They’ll probably want to fine me for speaking my mind here lol.

She didn’t really want to do this, she laughed about it and kept sexting him all season… its unfortunate her ‘former’ friend leaked it to Deadspin TWO yes, TWO years later.

After it came out, she thought it best to get a lawyer, unfortunately the lawyer saw a good possibililty at ‘$$$$$$$$. Unfortunately, Brett had a better lawyer.

They then went to the NFL, but the Commiss, I got to give him credit, handled it just like a high management (and hot potato) as it was!!! Avoiding any corporate (NFL) wrong doing… because seriously, there was no sex harrassment criminal act, the commiss waiting till Dec 29 a day after the Dec 28 deadline. He evened dodged a ‘civil’ suit by only stating Brett was not ‘forthcoming’ etc . The commiss was VERY SMART ! Slapped a fine to help a charity and now the ball has been returned to Jenn and lawyer to decide if ‘civil’ law is the way to go.

They have struck out only because she allowed the sexting to continue all 2008 season. Where is National Inquirer? fans want to know.. WHAT she said back to him ! yeah baby !

Now Jenn, go get 15 more minutes of fame and do a PORN with RYAN and show me your feet

You are kidding, right? Stop watching Letterman cause of something he said? Avoid the NFL on TV?

C’mon man!

Put on your big boy panties and deal with it!

You hope all women write to the NFL? Why? To state their feelings? To stop watching the game? Realistically, they should thank Goodall for not bending over backwards for that gold digger and her attorney?

Deb says:Dec 30, 2010 12:58 PM

@toesale …

Why should women band together and protest anything to the NFL? Nothing in this case has been about women, women’s rights, or the victimization of women.

Jenn Sterger left college with the credentials to become a sports broadcaster but instead decides to get a boob job and pose nude to get attention. By her own admission, she responded to Favre’s stares by provoking him to do something other than just look. Whatever else happened between them took place two years ago and elicited no complaints from her. She left the Jets employ and continued gossiping about Favre to anyone who would listen. That’s how the info became public. Nothing about that is sexual harassment.

Real victims are forced to work in a hostile environment made miserable by men and sometimes sick women who can’t handle being around other women that get more attention than they do. They’re harassed for no reason, threatened, fearful of losing jobs they need to support themselves and their families. There’s no evidence to indicate Sterger experienced any of this. And according to her representatives, she tried to extort Favre when this situation became public.

Sadly, all it’s proved is that women are their own worst enemies. It’s like importantpftcomment coming onto a Web site like this and seeing another woman making comments about serious issues. Rather that talking intelligently to her the way bright commenters like snarkygurl or steelersmichele do, she behaves like a snarling, rabid dog peeing on what she claims as “her” territory and banding with the lowest common denominator of men to make rape jokes. That kind of completely unprovoked, hate-filled behavior is embarrassing to all women. And it’s sad.

Women like this do a disservice to real victims and deserve no quarter from decent people.

Hate to tell you, but the last time I went to the bathroom, I stood up. You have A$$umed for weeks that I was a woman, and I let you, just to let you continue to make a fool of yourself.

Thanks for the laffs!

Deb says:Dec 30, 2010 4:16 PM

@importantpftcomment …

You said you were a woman, so apparently you have a gender identity issue. Since I’m comfortable in my sexuality, I don’t feel foolish. You should have spoken up sooner–I’m open-minded and would never ridicule you for being transgender. However, I’m relieved to know you’re not a woman in the traditional sense. The idea of meeting a woman so stupid and insecure was disheartening.

“Benji?” That explains a lot. He’s single, you know. lol

Deb says:Dec 30, 2010 4:24 PM

Oooh, unimportant …

Almost forgot … guess Benji is second choice. You’re first love is Favre, right? Kudos on the way you showcased your feminine side. ROFL

You just cannot give up on the personal attacks can you. I never said I was a woman, I told you often that you were making assumptions. Your constant thinking I am female was only one of many.

Don’t you think it is funny that so many disagree with the things you say, prove you wrong, make constant fun of you, yet you constantly seem to think you know more than the rest of us? Stop and think about that for just a second…..

As for Favre, we both pretty much agree he did nothing wrong. Big difference between Favre and you boy Benji is that Favre only had one off field issue (in the Goodall era), Benji has had THREE so far. Favre didn’t deserve to even be fined 50K while Benji is lucky to still be allowed to play!

Now go back to your counseling women or whatever it is you do, heal after your multiple surgeries, maintain your dome engineering degree, concentrate on college football and leave the discussion of professional football to those of us who know a bit about the game!

Deb says:Dec 30, 2010 6:40 PM

Honey, it’s okay. Told you I’m not judgmental. It’s okay that you squat and stand. It’s okay that you’re jealous of a woman who has more football knowledge than you do. It’s okay that you have a thing for Favre … and for Benji. And it’s okay that you only know a “bit” about the game. It’s even okay that you can’t count. You’ve had all these other weighty matters on your mind. Good grief, it must be so difficult dealing with all that confusion. You poor thing!

Deb, the innocent DO NOT STONEWALL investigation into activity on their part that is suspect.

importantpftcomment – Favre lied about his relationship with Sterger.

debthebusybody says:Jan 3, 2011 5:50 PM

“Honey, it’s okay. Told you I’m not judgmental.”

What a laughable statement and condescending at the same time.

PUKE.

ejmat2 says:Jan 5, 2011 2:24 PM

ampatsisahypocrite says:
Dec 30, 2010 9:51 PM
Ha ha! So the league shows its double standard with Favre and Roethlisberger. One guy is never even charged, and gets suspended. The other guy lies, and the league admits it, but… no suspension.
——————————-
You want to show proof of where Favre “lies”? All that was said was Favre showed a lack of Candor. That could mean a few things. It could mean he lied. It could mean he used his right to remain silent. That is a big difference.

I don’t like Goodell. I think he is a piss-poor Commissioner that has had his problems with being fair and consistent. But comparing what Ben did to what Favre did is like comparing a basketball to a golf ball. They both did wrong but to totally different extremes.